Have you noticed the small multimeter Extech combo set that shows up here for $15 or less looks like it comes out of the same factory as the Craftsman model that sells for $11.49 every so often? Wait, what am I saying, you probably wouldn't notice stuff like that since you have a Fluke.

If you're talking about the Craftsman meter that was in a thread 3 or 4 days ago, yes, I saw that one. I haven't seen the Extech branded version. I like tools, I pay attention to them regardless of name. Now, whether I buy them or not..

Quote
from crakarjax
:

It came with a padded nylon case. You can get more details on the fieldpiece site; the meter is exactly the same except the Ideal one has no temp. probe.

I guess this meter might be a better deal depending on what you need it for; the optional temp. probe could be useful but I prefer to get tools that don't try to get too fancy; my A/C manifold has temp. probes and I'm sure they are more accurate than on a multimeter. The non-contact voltage indicator is kind of cool. The Ideal meter is pretty solid, and seems more rugged than this one but I haven't held the Extech so that's just my impression.

Lots of contradictions there. First you say the Ideal is better, then it's this meter might be better. Sure, it's nice when they don't get crazy with add-on features, but the fact still remains the Extech specs out as good as, if not better than the Ideal and it's cheaper. Then, you say the Ideal is solid and is more rugged, but you've never held the Extech, so you're comparing by pictures?

Quote
from junoj
:

Quote
:

Yes. AC only, up to 200A.

Can I use this to measure the AC from car spark plugs?
Can I use this to measure house appliances?

I doubt the sampling rate on that meter would be able to pick up current off of the plug wires, so I would say no to measuring current and certainly not voltage. The voltage detector in the jaws would pick up voltage on the plug wire though.

Yes, it can be used to measure current and voltage (and, in turn, wattage) on nearly anything in your home. The easiest way is to use a line splitter; Extech has one here; http://www.amazon.com/Extech-4801...e+splitter and here is a no-name for a few bucks less. Line splitters are nearly all the same, so you can shop off of price. The "x1" coil has no multiplier on it, so if you measure your vacuum cleaner on the x1 loop and it says 12A, then it's pulling 12A. The x10 loop is for getting a more accurate measurement on low current devices, something that may only pull 220mA may not sample well on some meters, on the x10 coil it will show up as 2.2A. Divide by 10 to get the actual current draw.

Devices that don't fit into the 15A / 120v category can be measured, but you'll have to open your panel and clamp the individual branch circuits. Don't dig into your panel unless you have a firm grasp of what you're doing and give it the respect that it requires.

If you're talking about the Craftsman meter that was in a thread 3 or 4 days ago, yes, I saw that one. I haven't seen the Extech branded version. I like tools, I pay attention to them regardless of name. Now, whether I buy them or not..

This is the Extech one I was referring to. It appears to have the same rubbery housing and molded shape. I haven't compared the specs., but other than mainly the color, it looks the same visually.

Lots of contradictions there. First you say the Ideal is better, then it's this meter might be better. Sure, it's nice when they don't get crazy with add-on features, but the fact still remains the Extech specs out as good as, if not better than the Ideal and it's cheaper. Then, you say the Ideal is solid and is more rugged, but you've never held the Extech, so you're comparing by pictures?

No contradictions; you basically just reiterated exactly what I already said. Re-read and try to understand this time. The Ideal is better IMO, because of the following:

- Thinner, more ergonomic
- Better Voltage Accuracy
- Higher max. Voltage
- Does not run down the battery when turned of (the Extech does)
- 150 hour battery life
- 2 year warranty vs 1 year for the extech

And I was wrong in fact; the ideal does also have a non-contact voltage detector. If none of this is important to you, by all means go with the Extech.

Yes, it can be used to measure current and voltage (and, in turn, wattage) on nearly anything in your home. The easiest way is to use a line splitter; Extech has one here; http://www.amazon.com/Extech-4801...e+splitter and here is a no-name for a few bucks less. Line splitters are nearly all the same, so you can shop off of price. The "x1" coil has no multiplier on it, so if you measure your vacuum cleaner on the x1 loop and it says 12A, then it's pulling 12A. The x10 loop is for getting a more accurate measurement on low current devices, something that may only pull 220mA may not sample well on some meters, on the x10 coil it will show up as 2.2A. Divide by 10 to get the actual current draw.

Devices that don't fit into the 15A / 120v category can be measured, but you'll have to open your panel and clamp the individual branch circuits. Don't dig into your panel unless you have a firm grasp of what you're doing and give it the respect that it requires.

Last night, I got into an argument with customer service over using code SAVENOW or MEMBERS with the Extech meter.
They blocked the codes from working on Deal of the Day items, but never updated the code fine print.

Last night, I got into an argument with customer service over using code SAVENOW or MEMBERS with the Extech meter.
They blocked the codes from working on Deal of the Day items, but never updated the code fine print.

It's about time someone did, they arbitrarily change the code parameters at will lately,
it's like Darth Vader dealing with Lando Calrissian. I've noticed that SAVENOW doesn't work on any of the clearance items, despite the details for it. It "should" work for this meter as well.

That's a hell of a nice job you did stacking the codes on the Griplatch set by the way. I was beginning to think it might fade into obscurity, but thankfully Medic chimed in and bumped it up. Lets just hope they don't kill the codes for that deal if they wake up and decide they don't like selling it that low.

Speaking of bumping, I see what you did in my Plano thread. That wasn't necessary, but thanks anyhow.

This Thread is more than 751 days old. It is very likely that it does not need any further discussion and thus bumping it serves no purpose.If you still feel it is necessary to make a new reply you may do so.
I am aware that this Thread is rather old but I still want to make a reply.

Found a Deal?
Slickdeals is able to share the best deals because of the contributions of users like you! If you found a great deal,
please share it with others by posting in our forums.

First Time?
Welcome to Slickdeals!
Save money here by finding the lowest and cheapest price, best deals and bargains, and hot coupons. We're all about
community driven bargain hunting with thousands of free discounts, promo codes, reviews and price comparisons.

Don't worry, we'll help you find your way. If you haven't already, check out this
user guide
that explains the features of our site.